Wellcome to
knowledgefinancial.com
knowledgefinancial.com
Identity Theft
Fraudsters may attempt to steal your identity by fraudulently obtaining your
personal information ? such as your Social Security number, bank account
number, or other identification ? and using it to open new accounts or initiate
transactions in your name. An identity thief might open new credit cards or
bank accounts, forge checks, or even apply for loans.
This can cause financial loss or damage your credit, and possibly lead to a
lengthy resolution process.
In general, identity theft is more extensive than fraud, which is usually limited
to an isolated attempt to steal money from an existing account.
Even if you think your security has been compromised, it does not
automatically mean that you are a victim of identity theft. An incorrect entry or
isolated incident of theft from your account may have occurred and can be
quickly resolved ? call your financial service provider immediately.
How does identity theft happen?
Identity theft is portrayed as a high-tech crime affecting only those people
who shop, communicate, or do business online. However, while thieves can
obtain personal information via online methods, the majority of identity theft
occurs offline. Stealing wallets and purses, intercepting or rerouting your
mail, and rummaging through your garbage are some of the common tactics
that thieves use to obtain personal information.
How can I protect myself?
By understanding exactly what identity theft is, how it happens, and how it
affects you, you can more effectively prevent and, if necessary, resolve
identity theft. ---------- KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Fraudsters may attempt to steal your identity by fraudulently obtaining your
personal information ? such as your Social Security number, bank account
number, or other identification ? and using it to open new accounts or initiate
transactions in your name. An identity thief might open new credit cards or
bank accounts, forge checks, or even apply for loans.
This can cause financial loss or damage your credit, and possibly lead to a
lengthy resolution process.
In general, identity theft is more extensive than fraud, which is usually limited
to an isolated attempt to steal money from an existing account.
Even if you think your security has been compromised, it does not
automatically mean that you are a victim of identity theft. An incorrect entry or
isolated incident of theft from your account may have occurred and can be
quickly resolved ? call your financial service provider immediately.
How does identity theft happen?
Identity theft is portrayed as a high-tech crime affecting only those people
who shop, communicate, or do business online. However, while thieves can
obtain personal information via online methods, the majority of identity theft
occurs offline. Stealing wallets and purses, intercepting or rerouting your
mail, and rummaging through your garbage are some of the common tactics
that thieves use to obtain personal information.
How can I protect myself?
By understanding exactly what identity theft is, how it happens, and how it
affects you, you can more effectively prevent and, if necessary, resolve
identity theft. ---------- KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
How to Protect Yourself
You can take action to protect your identity and your personal information. Check out the
following tips and suggestions for keeping your online and offline transactions secure.
Fraud Prevention Tips
Follow these tips to help protect yourself from fraud.
General precautions
Carry only necessary information with you. Leave items such as your Social Security card
at home.
Do not provide your Social Security number unless absolutely necessary. If your Social
Security number is requested to sign up for a service, confirm that it is actually needed
rather than some other identifier.
Make photocopies of vital information you carry regularly and store them in a secure
place, such as a safety deposit box.
Limit paper statements. A paperless environment helps reduce the chance of identity
theft. The fewer personal documents sent through the mail, the less chance there is for
possible fraud. -------------- KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Shred documents containing personal or financial information before discarding. Most
fraud and identity theft incidences happen as a result of mail and garbage theft.
Review your credit report. Look over your credit report regularly ? at least yearly ? for
any inaccuracies.
You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus
at www.annualcreditreport.com. For a small fee you can obtain a copy at any time directly
from:
Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or www.transunion.com
Limit the credit offers you receive. To reduce the credit offers
you receive and the information companies share about you,
contact the National Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies at
1-888-5-OPTOUT ( 1-888-567-8688 ).
Remove your name from marketing lists. The Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
notifies its members that they must remove your name from the lists they sell. Their
members include the agencies and companies that compile mailing and telemarketing
lists. Your name and address remain in the DMA?s consumer exclusion files for five
years. ---------------------KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
You can take action to protect your identity and your personal information. Check out the
following tips and suggestions for keeping your online and offline transactions secure.
Fraud Prevention Tips
Follow these tips to help protect yourself from fraud.
General precautions
Carry only necessary information with you. Leave items such as your Social Security card
at home.
Do not provide your Social Security number unless absolutely necessary. If your Social
Security number is requested to sign up for a service, confirm that it is actually needed
rather than some other identifier.
Make photocopies of vital information you carry regularly and store them in a secure
place, such as a safety deposit box.
Limit paper statements. A paperless environment helps reduce the chance of identity
theft. The fewer personal documents sent through the mail, the less chance there is for
possible fraud. -------------- KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Shred documents containing personal or financial information before discarding. Most
fraud and identity theft incidences happen as a result of mail and garbage theft.
Review your credit report. Look over your credit report regularly ? at least yearly ? for
any inaccuracies.
You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus
at www.annualcreditreport.com. For a small fee you can obtain a copy at any time directly
from:
Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800 or www.transunion.com
Limit the credit offers you receive. To reduce the credit offers
you receive and the information companies share about you,
contact the National Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies at
1-888-5-OPTOUT ( 1-888-567-8688 ).
Remove your name from marketing lists. The Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
notifies its members that they must remove your name from the lists they sell. Their
members include the agencies and companies that compile mailing and telemarketing
lists. Your name and address remain in the DMA?s consumer exclusion files for five
years. ---------------------KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Email and online security
Be wary of suspicious emails. Carefully review any email requesting your account
information and password, particularly if the email states that the information is needed
to ?award a prize? or ?verify a statement.?
Avoid opening any questionable emails. If you have opened an email, do not open any
attachments or links it may contain, and delete it.
Check up on the latest email fraud activity. Many financial services companies maintain
and regularly update lists of some of the most recent fraud incidents they are
investigating.
Keep your computer and online experience secure.Read our Online and Computer
Security Tips to find out how protecting your passwords, installing anti-virus software,
activating a pop-up blocker, and other careful computing practices can help keep your
computer and personal information secure.
Phone and mail precautions
Be aware of telephone scams. Unless you initiated the contact, do not give out personal
information over the telephone. If the call is not initiated by you, always ask for a
call-back number. ----------------KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Even though we may legitimately need to contact you by telephone, ask for a call back
number and case number if you're suspicious of the call.
Do not place outgoing mail in your mailbox. Deposit mail in a U.S. Postal Service mail box
or at the post office to reduce the chance of mail theft.
Promptly retrieve incoming mail. Collect your mail as soon as possible every day to limit
the opportunity for theft.
Know your billing and statement cycles. Contact the company?s customer service
department if you stop receiving your regular bill or statement.
Be wary of suspicious emails. Carefully review any email requesting your account
information and password, particularly if the email states that the information is needed
to ?award a prize? or ?verify a statement.?
Avoid opening any questionable emails. If you have opened an email, do not open any
attachments or links it may contain, and delete it.
Check up on the latest email fraud activity. Many financial services companies maintain
and regularly update lists of some of the most recent fraud incidents they are
investigating.
Keep your computer and online experience secure.Read our Online and Computer
Security Tips to find out how protecting your passwords, installing anti-virus software,
activating a pop-up blocker, and other careful computing practices can help keep your
computer and personal information secure.
Phone and mail precautions
Be aware of telephone scams. Unless you initiated the contact, do not give out personal
information over the telephone. If the call is not initiated by you, always ask for a
call-back number. ----------------KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Even though we may legitimately need to contact you by telephone, ask for a call back
number and case number if you're suspicious of the call.
Do not place outgoing mail in your mailbox. Deposit mail in a U.S. Postal Service mail box
or at the post office to reduce the chance of mail theft.
Promptly retrieve incoming mail. Collect your mail as soon as possible every day to limit
the opportunity for theft.
Know your billing and statement cycles. Contact the company?s customer service
department if you stop receiving your regular bill or statement.
Online and Computer Security Tips
Consider the following tips to help protect your computer and
your personal information when you are online.
Protect your passwords. Memorize your passwords. Do not write them down
or share them with anyone. Change them regularly and use combinations of letters,
numbers, and "special characters" such as the "pound" (#) and "at" (@) signs . Do not
use your Social Security number as a username or password.
Keep your computer operating system up to date. If your computer is
more than five years old, its operating system (e.g. Windows 98, OS 7, etc.) may not offer
the same level of protection as newer systems. System manufacturers provide frequent
updates to help make your system more secure, possibly automatically through email or
via your Internet connection. You may also check their websites, including:
Microsoft® ? http://www.microsoft.com/security/
Apple Computer® ? http://info.apple.com/
Use a current web browser. To provide our customers with the most secure online
access to their accounts, we continually upgrades our online services. In certain cases,
your browser eventually may become unsuitable for sensitive transactions such as
Internet banking. ------------ KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
To maintain a high level of security, we may not allow access to online tools to browsers
that do not meet our security criteria. You may need to upgrade to a supported browser.
You may also check their websites, including:
Microsoft® ? http://www.microsoft.com/security/
Apple Computer® ? http://www.apple.com/support/safari/
Netscape® ? http://browser.netscape.com/
Install a personal firewall.
Though most office networks include firewall protection, your home computer may
benefit from this added level of security. Check to see if your operating system already
includes a firewall prior to purchasing a separate one.
Install, run, and keep anti-virus software updated. Commercially available virus
protection software helps reduce the risk of contracting computer viruses that can
compromise your security. These programs offer continuous upgrades in response to
the latest threats.
Use secure websites for transactions and shopping. Make sure the web page you are
viewing offers encryption of your data.
Often you will see a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your browser window,
or the web address of the page you are viewing will begin with ?https://...?. The ?s?
indicates ?secured? and means the web page uses encryption.
Avoid downloading programs from unknown sources. Downloads
from unfamiliar sources may contain hidden programs or viruses that can compromise
your computer?s security.
Disconnect from the Internet when not in use. Dedicated services such as DSL or
high-speed cable provide a constant connection between your computer and the Internet.
Even if you have a firewall installed, as an additional step to help protect yourself,
disconnect from the Internet when not in use to avoid unwanted access to your
computer's data.
Consider the following tips to help protect your computer and
your personal information when you are online.
Protect your passwords. Memorize your passwords. Do not write them down
or share them with anyone. Change them regularly and use combinations of letters,
numbers, and "special characters" such as the "pound" (#) and "at" (@) signs . Do not
use your Social Security number as a username or password.
Keep your computer operating system up to date. If your computer is
more than five years old, its operating system (e.g. Windows 98, OS 7, etc.) may not offer
the same level of protection as newer systems. System manufacturers provide frequent
updates to help make your system more secure, possibly automatically through email or
via your Internet connection. You may also check their websites, including:
Microsoft® ? http://www.microsoft.com/security/
Apple Computer® ? http://info.apple.com/
Use a current web browser. To provide our customers with the most secure online
access to their accounts, we continually upgrades our online services. In certain cases,
your browser eventually may become unsuitable for sensitive transactions such as
Internet banking. ------------ KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
To maintain a high level of security, we may not allow access to online tools to browsers
that do not meet our security criteria. You may need to upgrade to a supported browser.
You may also check their websites, including:
Microsoft® ? http://www.microsoft.com/security/
Apple Computer® ? http://www.apple.com/support/safari/
Netscape® ? http://browser.netscape.com/
Install a personal firewall.
Though most office networks include firewall protection, your home computer may
benefit from this added level of security. Check to see if your operating system already
includes a firewall prior to purchasing a separate one.
Install, run, and keep anti-virus software updated. Commercially available virus
protection software helps reduce the risk of contracting computer viruses that can
compromise your security. These programs offer continuous upgrades in response to
the latest threats.
Use secure websites for transactions and shopping. Make sure the web page you are
viewing offers encryption of your data.
Often you will see a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your browser window,
or the web address of the page you are viewing will begin with ?https://...?. The ?s?
indicates ?secured? and means the web page uses encryption.
Avoid downloading programs from unknown sources. Downloads
from unfamiliar sources may contain hidden programs or viruses that can compromise
your computer?s security.
Disconnect from the Internet when not in use. Dedicated services such as DSL or
high-speed cable provide a constant connection between your computer and the Internet.
Even if you have a firewall installed, as an additional step to help protect yourself,
disconnect from the Internet when not in use to avoid unwanted access to your
computer's data.
| WE BUY AND SELL REAL ESTATE IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA. CALL ANTONY ------------------------------------------------------------ REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OR LEASE WITH OPTION TO BUY ---SOUTH FLORIDA |
| CANADA USA REAL ESTATE! HOW TO BUY REAL ESTATE IN SOUTH FLORIDA? Home-buying & Selling Guide For All Canadians |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
IF YOU NEED HELP TO SELL YOUR REAL ESTATE PROPERTY IN SOUTH FLORIDA;
PLEASE CALL ANTONY A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR. AT: F.Int. Realty
PLEASE CALL ANTONY A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR. AT: F.Int. Realty
My Blog - The Most Interesting Blog
FREE SEARCH: A better way to search for
real estate. Motivated Sellers; Selling at
Unbelievable Prices. Search now!
See available listings here. Great
properties, in Great location for Great
prices!
FREE: How to find money, subsidy,
low-interest loans to pay for closing costs,
down-payment from cities & counties of
Miami Dade & Broward.
FREE: Commercial Real Estate: 20 Most
important things you must know before
investing in commercial real estate
FREE: Important Tips for first time home
buyers: 24 Solid things to know & things to
do before purchase a real estate property
FREE: 10 Reliable things every real estate
remodeling contract should have.
FREE SEARCH: A better way to search for
real estate. Motivated Sellers; Selling at
Unbelievable Prices. Search now!
See available listings here. Great
properties, in Great location for Great
prices!
FREE: How to find money, subsidy,
low-interest loans to pay for closing costs,
down-payment from cities & counties of
Miami Dade & Broward.
FREE: Commercial Real Estate: 20 Most
important things you must know before
investing in commercial real estate
FREE: Important Tips for first time home
buyers: 24 Solid things to know & things to
do before purchase a real estate property
FREE: 10 Reliable things every real estate
remodeling contract should have.
My Blog - The Most Interesting Blog
FREE SEARCH: A better way to search for
real estate. Motivated Sellers; Selling at
Unbelievable Prices. Search now!
See available listings here. Great
properties, in Great location for Great
prices!
FREE: How to find money, subsidy, grants,
low-interest loans to pay for closing costs,
down-payment from cities & counties of
Miami Dade & Broward. And other benefits
from States & Federal government
FREE: Commercial Real Estate: 20 Most
important things you must know before
investing in commercial real estate
FREE: Important Tips for first time home
buyers: 24 Solid things to know & things to
do before purchase a real estate property
FREE -- How to become a better condos
buyers? 12 Most important things to
know before buying a condominium!
FREE: 10 Reliable things every real estate
remodeling contract should have.
FREE: GOVERNMENTS GENERAL
INFORMATION CENTER: MIAMI DADE COUNTY,
BROWARD COUNTY, MONROE COUNTY, PALM
BEACH COUNTY, STATE OF FLORIDA AND THE
U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
You name it, You get it
You need it, You find
You want it, Search for it!
FREE SEARCH: A better way to search for
real estate. Motivated Sellers; Selling at
Unbelievable Prices. Search now!
See available listings here. Great
properties, in Great location for Great
prices!
FREE: How to find money, subsidy, grants,
low-interest loans to pay for closing costs,
down-payment from cities & counties of
Miami Dade & Broward. And other benefits
from States & Federal government
FREE: Commercial Real Estate: 20 Most
important things you must know before
investing in commercial real estate
FREE: Important Tips for first time home
buyers: 24 Solid things to know & things to
do before purchase a real estate property
FREE -- How to become a better condos
buyers? 12 Most important things to
know before buying a condominium!
FREE: 10 Reliable things every real estate
remodeling contract should have.
FREE: GOVERNMENTS GENERAL
INFORMATION CENTER: MIAMI DADE COUNTY,
BROWARD COUNTY, MONROE COUNTY, PALM
BEACH COUNTY, STATE OF FLORIDA AND THE
U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
You name it, You get it
You need it, You find
You want it, Search for it!
Custom Search
Custom Search
REAL ESTATE FINANCING: WHERE AND HOW TO FIND
MONEY TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?
Combating Identity Theft: A Strategic Plan
---Resources from the government
Consumer information, resources and important
tools about credit, banking, finance, economy,
ID-THEFT
FREE INFO: Contact List for Property Appraisers in
every county in the state of Florida
Mortgage Foreclosure Resources For Consumers
From the Federal Reserve System.
Federal Housing Administration {FHA} Mortgage Loan
Programs Information Center. Help for America's
Homeowners! How to make your home affordable?
National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program
Service Providers.
As home foreclosures continue to rise across the
state, Florida Housing will provide the following
foreclosure prevention resources
FREE: Find Florida governments public records. State,
County, and Local goverment. SEARCH AND FIND
WHATEVER YOU WANT!
INVESTMENT: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND FINANCING
STRATEGY . HOW TO INVEST NOW AND GET RICHER
LATER.
Home-buyers, homeowners Information:
HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Tips on Avoiding Foreclosures, Delinquencies
and "Foreclosure Rescue" Scams
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS: WHY INVESTING IN THE
REAL ESTATE MARKET TODAY IS A GOOD IDEA FOR
FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS & FOR EVERYBODY?
Federal Housing Administration, Department of
Housing and Urban Development is helping with
foreclosure and with home purchasing.
FREE SEARCH: Government may owed you money.
Start your free search for money that might be due to
you! --- FREE: Go directly to a government unclaimed
property program by clicking on a state, territory, or
province.
FREE: Government Benefits, Grants, and Financial Aid
Need government help?
Get official information on grants, loans, financial aid,
and other benefits from the U.S. Government.
Basic Finance: Learn the basics of
personal finance at the U.S. Government's
My Money
Study basic finance at your own pace with
free, Web-based lessons from the Fed
Money Smart program.
Build better credit with guidance
FREE: Find Government Grants, Apply and Succeed!
KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM is your source to help
FIND and APPLY for federal government benefits and
grants.
FIRST TIME HOME- BUYERS; OPPORTUNITY EXIST .
FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS: METHODS, TECHNIQUES,
AND STRATEGIES TO SUCCEED -- THE MOST IMPORTANT
INFORMATION FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS
FREE: CREDIT REPORT. Get absolutely, completely a
free credit report from all 3 credit bureaus.
Your Access to Free Credit Reports
FREE: Find Florida governments public records. State,
County, and Local goverment. SEARCH AND FIND
WHATEVER YOU WANT!
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS:
WHY INVESTING IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET TODAY IS
A GOOD IDEA FOR FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS & FOR
EVERYBODY? ---
INSURANCE 101: THE IMPORTANCE OF INSURANCE IN
SOMEONE'S LIFE.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INSURANCE
NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO KNOW HOW TO SAVE MONEY
ON YOUR INSURANCE!
LEARN ABOUT THE 15 INSURANCE POLICIES YOU DON'T
NEED
MONEY TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?
Combating Identity Theft: A Strategic Plan
---Resources from the government
Consumer information, resources and important
tools about credit, banking, finance, economy,
ID-THEFT
FREE INFO: Contact List for Property Appraisers in
every county in the state of Florida
Mortgage Foreclosure Resources For Consumers
From the Federal Reserve System.
Federal Housing Administration {FHA} Mortgage Loan
Programs Information Center. Help for America's
Homeowners! How to make your home affordable?
National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program
Service Providers.
As home foreclosures continue to rise across the
state, Florida Housing will provide the following
foreclosure prevention resources
FREE: Find Florida governments public records. State,
County, and Local goverment. SEARCH AND FIND
WHATEVER YOU WANT!
INVESTMENT: GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND FINANCING
STRATEGY . HOW TO INVEST NOW AND GET RICHER
LATER.
Home-buyers, homeowners Information:
HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Tips on Avoiding Foreclosures, Delinquencies
and "Foreclosure Rescue" Scams
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS: WHY INVESTING IN THE
REAL ESTATE MARKET TODAY IS A GOOD IDEA FOR
FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS & FOR EVERYBODY?
Federal Housing Administration, Department of
Housing and Urban Development is helping with
foreclosure and with home purchasing.
FREE SEARCH: Government may owed you money.
Start your free search for money that might be due to
you! --- FREE: Go directly to a government unclaimed
property program by clicking on a state, territory, or
province.
FREE: Government Benefits, Grants, and Financial Aid
Need government help?
Get official information on grants, loans, financial aid,
and other benefits from the U.S. Government.
Basic Finance: Learn the basics of
personal finance at the U.S. Government's
My Money
Study basic finance at your own pace with
free, Web-based lessons from the Fed
Money Smart program.
Build better credit with guidance
FREE: Find Government Grants, Apply and Succeed!
KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM is your source to help
FIND and APPLY for federal government benefits and
grants.
FIRST TIME HOME- BUYERS; OPPORTUNITY EXIST .
FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS: METHODS, TECHNIQUES,
AND STRATEGIES TO SUCCEED -- THE MOST IMPORTANT
INFORMATION FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS
FREE: CREDIT REPORT. Get absolutely, completely a
free credit report from all 3 credit bureaus.
Your Access to Free Credit Reports
FREE: Find Florida governments public records. State,
County, and Local goverment. SEARCH AND FIND
WHATEVER YOU WANT!
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS:
WHY INVESTING IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET TODAY IS
A GOOD IDEA FOR FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS & FOR
EVERYBODY? ---
INSURANCE 101: THE IMPORTANCE OF INSURANCE IN
SOMEONE'S LIFE.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INSURANCE
NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO KNOW HOW TO SAVE MONEY
ON YOUR INSURANCE!
LEARN ABOUT THE 15 INSURANCE POLICIES YOU DON'T
NEED
IDENTITY THEFT: WATCH OUT, STOP IT FROM HAPPENING, GET THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO PREVENT IT RIGHT HERE! AT KNOWLEDGE FINANCIAL.COM
IDENTITY THEFT, SCAMS:
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT?
Here is Consumer Reports' advice on steps you can take to protect your identity and what to do if you Here is
Consumer Reports' advice on steps you can take to protect your identity and what to do if you believe it's
already been compromised:
IDENTITY THEFT, SCAMS:
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT?
Here is Consumer Reports' advice on steps you can take to protect your identity and what to do if you Here is
Consumer Reports' advice on steps you can take to protect your identity and what to do if you believe it's
already been compromised:
Millionaire Mind Set, Take Control of your
Destiny. How to Make Your First $1 Million
Dollar?
Housing Finance Authority of Miami dade,
Monroe, Broward, and Palm Beach County.
State & Federal Homebuyer's Programs.
FREE FINANCIAL ADVICE. WAYS TO SAVE
MONEY, TO MAKE MONEY, AND GET OUT OF
DEBT!
GOVERNMENTS GENERAL INFORMATION
CENTER: MIAMI DADE, BROWARD, MONROE,
PALM BEACH COUNTY COUNT. STATE OF
FLORIDA AND THE U.S. FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT.
FREE-CREDIT REPORT: Get a Free Credit Report
From all 3 Credit Bureaus
INSURANCE 101: THE IMPORTANCE OF
INSURANCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE.
5 INSURANCE POLICIES EVERYONE SHOULD
HAVE, AND 15 INSURANCE POLICIES YOU
MAY NOT NEED.
Identity Theft: Consumer Reports' advice on
steps you can take to protect your identity and
what to do if you believe it's already been
compromised...
HUD HOMES: GOVERNMENT HOMES AND
FORECLOSURE PROPERTIES ARE AVAILABLE
BELOW MARKET VALUE!
Real Estate Learning Center: Foreclosure,
REO'S, Short Sale, Pre-construction.
Mortgage Loans Learning Center. Everything
about mortgage home loans
REO'S -- REAL ESTATE OWNED FORECLOSURE.
Buying Bank Owned Properties (REO) ---
Investing in Foreclosed Real Estate for a Higher
Return.
What are Pre-Foreclosures?
pre-foreclosure helps people to get a home at a
bargain price.
Destiny. How to Make Your First $1 Million
Dollar?
Housing Finance Authority of Miami dade,
Monroe, Broward, and Palm Beach County.
State & Federal Homebuyer's Programs.
FREE FINANCIAL ADVICE. WAYS TO SAVE
MONEY, TO MAKE MONEY, AND GET OUT OF
DEBT!
GOVERNMENTS GENERAL INFORMATION
CENTER: MIAMI DADE, BROWARD, MONROE,
PALM BEACH COUNTY COUNT. STATE OF
FLORIDA AND THE U.S. FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT.
FREE-CREDIT REPORT: Get a Free Credit Report
From all 3 Credit Bureaus
INSURANCE 101: THE IMPORTANCE OF
INSURANCE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE.
5 INSURANCE POLICIES EVERYONE SHOULD
HAVE, AND 15 INSURANCE POLICIES YOU
MAY NOT NEED.
Identity Theft: Consumer Reports' advice on
steps you can take to protect your identity and
what to do if you believe it's already been
compromised...
HUD HOMES: GOVERNMENT HOMES AND
FORECLOSURE PROPERTIES ARE AVAILABLE
BELOW MARKET VALUE!
Real Estate Learning Center: Foreclosure,
REO'S, Short Sale, Pre-construction.
Mortgage Loans Learning Center. Everything
about mortgage home loans
REO'S -- REAL ESTATE OWNED FORECLOSURE.
Buying Bank Owned Properties (REO) ---
Investing in Foreclosed Real Estate for a Higher
Return.
What are Pre-Foreclosures?
pre-foreclosure helps people to get a home at a
bargain price.
-- SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS. ---
FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS EVERY REAL ESTATE
INVESTOR SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?... ATTENTION,
ATTENTION HOME-BUYERS AND SELLERS...
--- REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS: WHY INVESTING IN
REAL ESTATE TODAY IS A GOOD IDEA FOR FIRST
TIME HOME-BUYERS AND FOR EVERYONE?
---... Federal Housing Administration {FHA} Mortgage
Loan Programs Information Center. Help for
America's Homeowners! How to make your home
affordable?
--- ...REAL ESTATE ADVANTAGE AND GREAT
OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS IN
SOUTH FLORIDA! ———
-- FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS. METHODS,
TECHNIQUES, AND STRATEGIES TO SUCCEED -- THE
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FIRST TIME
BUYERS...
--- INVESTMENT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND
FINANCING STRATEGY...
INVEST NOW AND GET RICHER LATER. INVEST YOUR
MONEY TODAY AND GET RICHER TOMORROW
--- REAL ESTATE FINANCING: WHERE AND HOW TO
FIND MONEY TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?
Bringing the Dream of Home-ownership Within
Reach... THE DREAM NOW CAN BECOME A REALITY.
--- SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS. ---
FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS EVERY REAL ESTATE
INVESTOR SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?... ATTENTION,
ATTENTION HOME-BUYERS AND SELLERS...
--- NSP --- Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Neighborhood Stabilization Program: HUD's new
Neighborhood Stabilization Program provides
emergency assistance to state and local
governments to...
---... HOME-BUYER'S TAX CREDIT, ASSISTANCE WITH
DOWN-PAYMENT AND CLOSING COST. {FLHOP}
FLORIDA HOUSING OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM.
Utilizing home buyer tax credit to assist at closing
FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS EVERY REAL ESTATE
INVESTOR SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?... ATTENTION,
ATTENTION HOME-BUYERS AND SELLERS...
--- REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS: WHY INVESTING IN
REAL ESTATE TODAY IS A GOOD IDEA FOR FIRST
TIME HOME-BUYERS AND FOR EVERYONE?
---... Federal Housing Administration {FHA} Mortgage
Loan Programs Information Center. Help for
America's Homeowners! How to make your home
affordable?
--- ...REAL ESTATE ADVANTAGE AND GREAT
OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS IN
SOUTH FLORIDA! ———
-- FIRST TIME HOME-BUYERS. METHODS,
TECHNIQUES, AND STRATEGIES TO SUCCEED -- THE
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FIRST TIME
BUYERS...
--- INVESTMENT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND
FINANCING STRATEGY...
INVEST NOW AND GET RICHER LATER. INVEST YOUR
MONEY TODAY AND GET RICHER TOMORROW
--- REAL ESTATE FINANCING: WHERE AND HOW TO
FIND MONEY TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?
Bringing the Dream of Home-ownership Within
Reach... THE DREAM NOW CAN BECOME A REALITY.
--- SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS. ---
FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS EVERY REAL ESTATE
INVESTOR SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?... ATTENTION,
ATTENTION HOME-BUYERS AND SELLERS...
--- NSP --- Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Neighborhood Stabilization Program: HUD's new
Neighborhood Stabilization Program provides
emergency assistance to state and local
governments to...
---... HOME-BUYER'S TAX CREDIT, ASSISTANCE WITH
DOWN-PAYMENT AND CLOSING COST. {FLHOP}
FLORIDA HOUSING OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM.
Utilizing home buyer tax credit to assist at closing
www.realestatevisionaire.com // www.buyheremarket.com // www.knowledgefinancial.success // www.visionairebiz.com //
..RICH GUIDE, WHY AREN'T RICH?
BUILDING FINANCIAL WEALTH,
OBTAIN FINANCIAL FREEDOM,
BECOME A RICH PERSON; YES YOU
CAN...
..RULE OF 72: The compound
interest and financial success. Rule
Of 72 is the most important and
simple rule of financial success.
..MILLIONAIRE: How To Make Your
First $1 Million? The Millionaire's
Mindset
..FORTUNE: BEFORE INVESTING IN
THE STOCK MARKET LEARN THIS
FIRST!...
..GOVERNMENT: Government's
general information; Local, State,
and Federal.
Housing Finance Authority of Miami
dade, Monroe, Broward, and Palm
Beach County
..EMPIRE: THE ABC's OF
INVESTMENTS, Ways to Save. THE
TRIANGLE OF SUCCESS...
..INVESTORS: CREATIVE FINANCING:
TOP 10 CREATIVE FINANCING
TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES TO
FIND MONEY TO INVEST!
The Five C’s of Credit: LEARN MORE..
CREATIVE FINANCE CAN AND WILL
MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE WHEN
AN INVESTOR DECIDES TO INVEST IN
REAL ESTATE...
..HOME INSPECTION: HOW TO GET
THE BEST OUT OF IT..
Top 10 home-buying mistakes to
avoid!
HOW TO USE HOME INSPECTION
REPORTS TO NEGOTIATE SALE
PRICE?...
...ACCOUNTING: The Basics of
Accounting...
...TAXES: THE FUNDAMENTAL OF
TAXES. THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE
LESS YOU PAY...
...ANALYTICS: Top 9 Real Estate
Financial Calculator Problems every
investors should know about...
...REAL ESTATE MARKET:
TODAY'S GREAT DEALS
FOR FIRST-TIME HOME-
BUYERS & FOR EVERYONE
AS NEVER SEEN BEFORE!
WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY
TO CREATE TREMENDOUS
AMOUNT OF WEALTH...
BUILDING FINANCIAL WEALTH,
OBTAIN FINANCIAL FREEDOM,
BECOME A RICH PERSON; YES YOU
CAN...
..RULE OF 72: The compound
interest and financial success. Rule
Of 72 is the most important and
simple rule of financial success.
..MILLIONAIRE: How To Make Your
First $1 Million? The Millionaire's
Mindset
..FORTUNE: BEFORE INVESTING IN
THE STOCK MARKET LEARN THIS
FIRST!...
..GOVERNMENT: Government's
general information; Local, State,
and Federal.
Housing Finance Authority of Miami
dade, Monroe, Broward, and Palm
Beach County
..EMPIRE: THE ABC's OF
INVESTMENTS, Ways to Save. THE
TRIANGLE OF SUCCESS...
..INVESTORS: CREATIVE FINANCING:
TOP 10 CREATIVE FINANCING
TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES TO
FIND MONEY TO INVEST!
The Five C’s of Credit: LEARN MORE..
CREATIVE FINANCE CAN AND WILL
MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE WHEN
AN INVESTOR DECIDES TO INVEST IN
REAL ESTATE...
..HOME INSPECTION: HOW TO GET
THE BEST OUT OF IT..
Top 10 home-buying mistakes to
avoid!
HOW TO USE HOME INSPECTION
REPORTS TO NEGOTIATE SALE
PRICE?...
...ACCOUNTING: The Basics of
Accounting...
...TAXES: THE FUNDAMENTAL OF
TAXES. THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE
LESS YOU PAY...
...ANALYTICS: Top 9 Real Estate
Financial Calculator Problems every
investors should know about...
...REAL ESTATE MARKET:
TODAY'S GREAT DEALS
FOR FIRST-TIME HOME-
BUYERS & FOR EVERYONE
AS NEVER SEEN BEFORE!
WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY
TO CREATE TREMENDOUS
AMOUNT OF WEALTH...
| ATTENTION HOMES SELLERS: LET US HELP YOU SELLING YOUR PROPERTY. WITH US: IS MORE ADVERTISEMENT, MORE EXPOSURE, MORE SHOWINGS, MORE OFFERS, AND MORE MONEY FOR YOUR PROPERTY! YOUR PROPERTY WILL BE MARKETING IN 13 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES CALL: --- SOUTH FLORIDA. --- WE,RE LICENSED REALTOR & LICENSED MORTGAGE BROKER ------------------------------ Selling Your Real Estate in Least Amount of Time For The Most Money. Expose Your Property to The Most Potential Buyers. CALL ANTHONY |
Read the most popular monthly News Letter
---CLICK HERE
Financial News, Business News, Market News.--
and 11 Great things to Do With Your Money in
Financial Crisis, in Difficult Economic Time!
Banking and Finance; Top online banking service
and solution for everyone
Click Here to see the most advanced electronic
products with the recent technology
Building Wealth, How to create a fortune.
American Banking System and History
Personal Finance, Us Financial System
How to obtain a complete and absolute Freedom
Financial Knowledge, get the knowledge you need
to succeed financially
Saving Money, 66 ways to save a lot of money
US Economy, Pension Plans retire early, retire rich
INVESTING / METHODS AND TECHNIQUES TO
INVEST IN TODAY'S MARKET FOR A BETTER
TOMORROW
Business, Easy ways to create your own
business. How to buy and sell a franchise?
Shop all you want right here; reliable, safe and
secure website. Best products from the world top
manufacturers, excellent prices
CLICK HERE ---TO SEE THE WOLD LARGEST
INTERNET BUSINESSES, THE HIGHEST QUALITY
MERCHANDISE FROM THE MOST SOPHISTICATED
COMPANIES
---CLICK HERE
Financial News, Business News, Market News.--
and 11 Great things to Do With Your Money in
Financial Crisis, in Difficult Economic Time!
Banking and Finance; Top online banking service
and solution for everyone
Click Here to see the most advanced electronic
products with the recent technology
Building Wealth, How to create a fortune.
American Banking System and History
Personal Finance, Us Financial System
How to obtain a complete and absolute Freedom
Financial Knowledge, get the knowledge you need
to succeed financially
Saving Money, 66 ways to save a lot of money
US Economy, Pension Plans retire early, retire rich
INVESTING / METHODS AND TECHNIQUES TO
INVEST IN TODAY'S MARKET FOR A BETTER
TOMORROW
Business, Easy ways to create your own
business. How to buy and sell a franchise?
Shop all you want right here; reliable, safe and
secure website. Best products from the world top
manufacturers, excellent prices
CLICK HERE ---TO SEE THE WOLD LARGEST
INTERNET BUSINESSES, THE HIGHEST QUALITY
MERCHANDISE FROM THE MOST SOPHISTICATED
COMPANIES
| HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE Let Us Help You Sell Your Real Estate Property Now. CALL The Realtor We Will Buy it From You, or We Will Sell it For You. For All Real Estate Services SOUTH FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT SELLING LET US HELP YOU. -- YOUR PROPERTY WILL BE MARKETED IN 13 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES ---------------------------------------- ''IF YOU NEED HELP TO SELL YOUR REAL ESTATE PROPERTY IN SOUTH FLORIDA; PLEASE CALL ANTONY A PROFESSIONAL REALTOR. - |
| HOME SELLERS & BUYERS, WE HAVE THE TOOLS YOU NEED AND WE PROVIDE THE GREAT ADVICE YOU CAN COUNT ON TO SELL YOUR PROPERTY OR TO BUY A PROPERTY. PLEASE CALL ANTONY AT: 786-709-6577 --- FORTUNE INTERNATIONAL REALTY |
| --Have You Talked to a Representative Lately? If not, Give them a call.. , South Florida #: --New Opportunities May be Only a Phone Call Away. This Financial Services Company is in the Business of Changing Lives by Helping Families Becoming Debt Free, Be Properly Protected, and Financially Independent. How? South Florida, Call a Representative -- ''INSURANCE-- Everything You Need to Know About Insurance; South Florida, Call ANTHONY The Insurance Representative - - Get an Insurance Quote, Look How much a Policy Can Cost You, or See If You're Paying Too Much For a Policy.-- Get a Free Quote! With No Obligation-- Learn About The Top 10 Insurance Myths... GET THE BEST INSURANCE ADVICE EVER... -Primerica Financial Services- Life Insurance Company. What We Do, How we do it? EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW... A JOB, OR A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY MAY BE AVAILABLE FOR YOU, YOUR FRIENDS, OR FAMILY MEMBERS... IT'S FREE-- |
| FREE STUFFS- -10 Things People Buy They Should Get Free-- There are plenty of free things you can Get from the web as well as from libraries, parks, banks and other businesses. 2. FREE STUFFS, Free Unlimited Calling, Local & Long-distance Free, Free 411 Information calls : Make Google Voice, Skype, Magicjack Work For You.-- Free Cable TV. Get Free Stuffs Now. 3. -FREE Faxes, FREE Books and FREE Music-- FREE STUFFS, More Free Things Your Hotel Desk Clerk Won’t Tell You. Click Here For Hotel Free Stuffs... 4. 6 Tips to Pay Less for a College Degree. FINANCIAL AID FREE SCHOLARSHIP FOR SCHOOL FREE GOVERNMENT GRANTS MONEY FOR SCHOOL-- 5. -Medical and Nursing Resources for professionals in the Medical & nursing industry- Information on nursing, hospital, Nursing News, Nursing Jobs, Nurse Continuing Education, Nursing Schools and Financial aid information -- 6. - Apply for unemployment, Apply Food Stamps, Find Jobs, Register a Business-- FREE STUFFS How to Make Money Online With Or Without a Website & Monetize Your Blogs.-- |
IN CASE OF ID THEFT
Skimming 101: How to spot it, avoid it, and deal with it..
"Skimming" is a method by which thieves steal your credit card
information, and all it requires is a little illicit technology and a lot
of criminal intent by those who handle your credit card.
Skimming occurs most frequently at retail outlets that process
credit card payments -- particularly bars, restaurants and gas
stations. -----KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
How to spot skimming
Here's how it works: A corrupt employee "skims" a customer's credit card with a
small, handheld electronic device that scans and stores the card data from the
magnetic strip. The employee usually sells the information through a contact or on the
Internet, at which point counterfeit cards are made.
The criminals go on a shopping spree with a copy of the credit or debit card, and
cardholders are unaware of the fraud until a statement arrives with purchases they did
not make.
District Attorney's Office, regularly prosecutes identity thieves.
"Many consumers think that shopping online is a high-risk endeavor compared to
going to a brick and mortar store, but I believe the opposite," Brewer says. "The vast
majority of cases we investigate have to do with employees at a physical store stealing
your information."
How to avoid skimming
Brewer has encountered many skimming victims and has tips for consumers on how
to stay out of trouble. -----KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Make sure your card stays in sight, and never let anyone leave of
your presence with the card if you can help it.
"Skimming occurs most at restaurants since the waiter has to walk away with your
card," Brewer says. "If you are in a retail store and they say they have to go to another
counter to run the card, follow them." If you are concerned about letting go of your card
at restaurants, use cash instead.
Your credit card is like cash. "You need to be aware that your credit card is
very valuable," Brewer says. "Treat it like a diamond or cash. Would you just give
someone cash and let them walk away with it?"
Monitor credit card receipts and check them carefully against your statements. If you
are married, sit down with your spouse to account for all charges, Brewer says. Some
thieves take out small amounts in hopes cardholders won't notice.
Shred unwanted financial solicitations and put your mail on hold when you leave town.
This will not help with skimming, but it can help with other forms of identity theft.
To further protect yourself from potential unauthorized charges or identity fraud, you
can request that credit bureaus monitor your accounts for unusual spending patterns
and require them to notify you before new credit can be granted in your name.
These services come at a price; normally under $100 per year depending on the credit
agency. But that might be a worthy investment, especially if you eat in restaurants on a
regular basis.
How to deal with skimming
Call the police. "When your identity or credit card is stolen, it's just like having a car
stolen," Brewer says. Make a police report and hang on to the police report number.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately and tell them your card was
stolen. If you don't make a report quickly, you may be liable for some or all of the
unauthorized charges.
If you report swiftly, federal law caps your liability at $50. Most credit cards voluntarily
go further, and won't charge you at all -- again, if you report quickly. "If you end up being
a victim, it's probably not going to cost you any money,"
"If you notify your bank quickly, they'll return the money. Don't get hung up about the
fact that someone might drain your bank account. The most you will probably spend on
it is wasted time and lots of aggravation, since it can be a long process to get
everything worked out."
Contact the three major credit bureaus -- TransUnion, Equifax
and Experian --
to request a security freeze, which prevents new credit authorizations without your
consent. Bretel suggests visiting the website www.annualcreditreport.com. "It's an
institution created in response to a large number of identity theft victims and the cost
incurred to them," Bretel says.
Through the site, which was mandated by federal law in response to consumer outcry,
you are entitled to receive one free credit report each year from each of the three
major credit bureaus.
Bretel suggests viewing the reports on a computer you can print from since you only
get to check them once a year. "Look at the inquiries section of your report, and see
which companies have looked at your credit," Brewer says.
If a car dealership looked at your report but you didn't go there, it's a sign that the
person with your card information went car shopping. Give these reports to the police;
it will help them investigate your case.
-------------KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
10 things you should know about identity theft
Identity theft is often in the news, but there are a lot of misconceptions swirling around
about how to best protect yourself.
While some identity thieves focus on getting your credit cards and maxing them out
before you even realize they're missing, an increasing number are using one piece of
information about you -- often a credit card number -- in order to steal your entire
identity.
Though many folks worry about keeping their credit card information secure when
shopping online, the top methods that identity thieves use to steal personal data are
still low-tech, according to Justin Yurek, president of ID Watchdog, an identity
theft-monitoring firm. "Watch your personal documents, be careful to whom you give
out your data over the phone, and be careful of mail theft,
1. Thieves don't need your credit card number in order to steal it.
Conversely, they don't need your credit card in order to steal your identity. Identity
thieves are crafty; sometimes all they need is one piece of information about you and
they can easily gain access to the rest.
As a result, says Heather Wells, recovery manager at ID Experts, an identity protection
company, today it's crucial to lock up important documents at home. "Secure birth
certificates, Social Security cards, passports, in a safe deposit box or in a safe hidden
at home," she says. "And that includes credit cards when not in use."
2. The nonfinancial personal information you reveal online is
often enough for a thief.
Beware of seemingly innocent personal facts that a thief could use to steal your
identity. For example, never list your full birthdate on Facebook or any other
social-networking websites. And don't list your home address or telephone number on
any website you use for personal or business reasons, including job-search sites.
3. Be careful with your snail mail.
"Follow your billing cycles closely," says Lucy Duni, vice president of consumer
education at TrueCredit.com. "If a credit card or other bill hasn't arrived, it may mean
that an identity thief has gotten hold of your account and changed your billing address."
Al Marcella, professor at Webster University's School of Business and Technology in St.
KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Louis, and an expert on identity theft, suggests when you order new checks, you pick
them up at the bank instead of shipping them to your home. "Stolen checks can be
altered and cashed by fraudsters," says Duni. And never place outgoing mail in your
post office box or door slot for a carrier to pick up. Anyone can grab it and get your
credit card numbers and other financial information. Bring it to the post office yourself.
4. Review all bank and credit card statements each month,
preferably once a week.
Watch for charges for less than a dollar or two from unfamiliar companies or
individuals.
Thieves who are planning to purchase a block of stolen credit card numbers often first
test to check that the accounts haven't been canceled by aware customers by sending
a small charge through, sometimes for only a few pennies. If the first charge
succeeds, they'll buy the stolen data and make a much larger charge or purchase.
They're guessing -- often correctly -- that most cardholders won't notice such a tiny
charge. In addition, many of the fraud alerts you can set on your accounts aren't
triggered by small dollar amounts. Reviewing your credit report on a regular basis is
also a good idea, but usually by the time a fraudulent transaction reaches your credit
report, it's too late.----KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
5. If an ATM or store terminal looks funny, don't use it.
"Make sure there is no device attached to any ATM card slot you use," says Wells. "As
a general rule, the mouth of a card receptacle on an ATM machine should be flush with
the machine or have only a very slight lip."
If it looks or feels different when you swipe your card, or has an extra piece of plastic
sticking out from the card slot, it may be a skimmer, an electronic device placed there
by thieves that captures your credit card information when you swipe it. If you notice it
after you've already inserted your card, you should alert your bank so they can watch
for any fraudulent charges to your account.
6. Identity thieves love travelers and tourists.
Scott Stevenson, founder and CEO of Eliminate ID Theft, an ID theft protection company,
cautions travelers to be alert to strangers hovering around whenever you use a credit
card at an ATM or phone, and to avoid public wireless Internet connections unless your
laptop or PDA has beefed-up security protection.*
7. Identity thieves are sneaky; you need to be sneaky, too.
There are a few simple things you can do to protect your credit card in case it falls into
the wrong hands. "Sign your credit card with a Sharpie so your signature can't be
erased and written over," suggests Echo Montgomery Garrett, a writer in Marietta, Ga.
Consultant Sarah Browne of Carmel, Calif., had all but one credit card stolen from a
hotel room. The card that was spared still had the "Please Activate" sticker on it.
Though Browne had activated the card, she forgot to remove the sticker.
"The thieves must have known that you have to activate a new card from the phone
number listed with the credit card company, so they didn't bother with it," she said, and
since then, she leaves the activation stickers on all of her cards. Indeed, when a thief
struck a second time at a public function, Browne's stickered cards were again left
untouched.KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
8. Pay attention at the checkout line.
If a cashier or salesperson takes your card and either turns away from you or takes
too long to conduct what is usually a normal transaction, she may be scanning your
card into a handheld skimming terminal to harvest the information. But they don't need
a handheld scanner to capture your information.
According to Mark Cravens, the Anti-Scam Doctor and author of "The Ten
Commandments of Investing," they can take a picture of the front and back of your
card with a cell phone or merely swap out cards. "Look at your card when they hand it
back and make sure it's yours, and not another gold, silver, or blue card that looks like
yours," he says. "You may not notice they swapped your card for days."
9. Go paperless in as many ways as possible.
Sandy Shore, training manager with Novadebt, a nonprofit, New Jersey-based
credit-counseling agency, suggests clients cut back on the mail they receive from
banks and financial institutions by discontinuing paper bills and statements. "Access
your financial statements at the issuer's website instead," she says.
This strategy has the added bonus of an environmental benefit. Similarly, Vaclav
Vincalek, president of Pacific Coast Information Systems, an IT security firm,
recommends that whatever paper receipts and financial statements you do receive go
through the shredder instead of into the wastebasket. "Never throw away a credit card
slip," he says. "Instead, shred anything that has any number, name, address on it."
10. Identity theft insurance can pay off, but you need to read the
fine print. Several companies offer identity theft insurance, which covers the money
you shell out to repair your identity. This includes whatever you spend on phone calls,
making copies of documents and mailing them, hiring an attorney, and in some cases,
lost wages.
However, the insurance -- which costs about $50 a year -- does not reimburse you for
funds you lost. Your current homeowner policy may include identity theft insurance in
your package, so check first before signing up with an outside company. Also, some
companies are starting to offer identity theft insurance as an employee benefit.
---------------------------------------------------KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
When hit by ID theft, take these 4 steps to make things right
You did the right thing by checking your credit report to start. Too many people don't
check, only to find out later that their credit identities have been stolen. Or they only
learn of problems when they apply for credit and they're denied.
If you don't clear it all up, you'll never be able to get the kind of credit you'll need in life.
Your first credit card is just the beginning. Over time, you'll probably want car loans, a
mortgage and more. Your credit can even impact your ability to get a job.
Here's what you do:
1. Contact your local police and report the identity theft. Get copies
of the police report.
2. Call the fraud departments of each of the three credit bureaus
and report the actions there, and send each bureau a copy of the
police report. CreditCards.com has a long list of identity theft reporting sample
letters and other information that can help you. Once you've notified the bureaus, each
will start a fraud investigation on your behalf, and the agencies have 30 days to
investigate such claims. Then, they have to remove the wrong information from your
reports.
3. Write a victim's statement and request the bureaus add this to
your credit file. This would explain, in your words, what happened.
CreditCards.com has some credit report statement sample letters that you can use to
help you get started.
4. Contact each of the lenders who extended credit to your stolen identity and
let them know what's going on. They may open their own investigations.
KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Skimming 101: How to spot it, avoid it, and deal with it..
"Skimming" is a method by which thieves steal your credit card
information, and all it requires is a little illicit technology and a lot
of criminal intent by those who handle your credit card.
Skimming occurs most frequently at retail outlets that process
credit card payments -- particularly bars, restaurants and gas
stations. -----KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
How to spot skimming
Here's how it works: A corrupt employee "skims" a customer's credit card with a
small, handheld electronic device that scans and stores the card data from the
magnetic strip. The employee usually sells the information through a contact or on the
Internet, at which point counterfeit cards are made.
The criminals go on a shopping spree with a copy of the credit or debit card, and
cardholders are unaware of the fraud until a statement arrives with purchases they did
not make.
District Attorney's Office, regularly prosecutes identity thieves.
"Many consumers think that shopping online is a high-risk endeavor compared to
going to a brick and mortar store, but I believe the opposite," Brewer says. "The vast
majority of cases we investigate have to do with employees at a physical store stealing
your information."
How to avoid skimming
Brewer has encountered many skimming victims and has tips for consumers on how
to stay out of trouble. -----KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Make sure your card stays in sight, and never let anyone leave of
your presence with the card if you can help it.
"Skimming occurs most at restaurants since the waiter has to walk away with your
card," Brewer says. "If you are in a retail store and they say they have to go to another
counter to run the card, follow them." If you are concerned about letting go of your card
at restaurants, use cash instead.
Your credit card is like cash. "You need to be aware that your credit card is
very valuable," Brewer says. "Treat it like a diamond or cash. Would you just give
someone cash and let them walk away with it?"
Monitor credit card receipts and check them carefully against your statements. If you
are married, sit down with your spouse to account for all charges, Brewer says. Some
thieves take out small amounts in hopes cardholders won't notice.
Shred unwanted financial solicitations and put your mail on hold when you leave town.
This will not help with skimming, but it can help with other forms of identity theft.
To further protect yourself from potential unauthorized charges or identity fraud, you
can request that credit bureaus monitor your accounts for unusual spending patterns
and require them to notify you before new credit can be granted in your name.
These services come at a price; normally under $100 per year depending on the credit
agency. But that might be a worthy investment, especially if you eat in restaurants on a
regular basis.
How to deal with skimming
Call the police. "When your identity or credit card is stolen, it's just like having a car
stolen," Brewer says. Make a police report and hang on to the police report number.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately and tell them your card was
stolen. If you don't make a report quickly, you may be liable for some or all of the
unauthorized charges.
If you report swiftly, federal law caps your liability at $50. Most credit cards voluntarily
go further, and won't charge you at all -- again, if you report quickly. "If you end up being
a victim, it's probably not going to cost you any money,"
"If you notify your bank quickly, they'll return the money. Don't get hung up about the
fact that someone might drain your bank account. The most you will probably spend on
it is wasted time and lots of aggravation, since it can be a long process to get
everything worked out."
Contact the three major credit bureaus -- TransUnion, Equifax
and Experian --
to request a security freeze, which prevents new credit authorizations without your
consent. Bretel suggests visiting the website www.annualcreditreport.com. "It's an
institution created in response to a large number of identity theft victims and the cost
incurred to them," Bretel says.
Through the site, which was mandated by federal law in response to consumer outcry,
you are entitled to receive one free credit report each year from each of the three
major credit bureaus.
Bretel suggests viewing the reports on a computer you can print from since you only
get to check them once a year. "Look at the inquiries section of your report, and see
which companies have looked at your credit," Brewer says.
If a car dealership looked at your report but you didn't go there, it's a sign that the
person with your card information went car shopping. Give these reports to the police;
it will help them investigate your case.
-------------KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
10 things you should know about identity theft
Identity theft is often in the news, but there are a lot of misconceptions swirling around
about how to best protect yourself.
While some identity thieves focus on getting your credit cards and maxing them out
before you even realize they're missing, an increasing number are using one piece of
information about you -- often a credit card number -- in order to steal your entire
identity.
Though many folks worry about keeping their credit card information secure when
shopping online, the top methods that identity thieves use to steal personal data are
still low-tech, according to Justin Yurek, president of ID Watchdog, an identity
theft-monitoring firm. "Watch your personal documents, be careful to whom you give
out your data over the phone, and be careful of mail theft,
1. Thieves don't need your credit card number in order to steal it.
Conversely, they don't need your credit card in order to steal your identity. Identity
thieves are crafty; sometimes all they need is one piece of information about you and
they can easily gain access to the rest.
As a result, says Heather Wells, recovery manager at ID Experts, an identity protection
company, today it's crucial to lock up important documents at home. "Secure birth
certificates, Social Security cards, passports, in a safe deposit box or in a safe hidden
at home," she says. "And that includes credit cards when not in use."
2. The nonfinancial personal information you reveal online is
often enough for a thief.
Beware of seemingly innocent personal facts that a thief could use to steal your
identity. For example, never list your full birthdate on Facebook or any other
social-networking websites. And don't list your home address or telephone number on
any website you use for personal or business reasons, including job-search sites.
3. Be careful with your snail mail.
"Follow your billing cycles closely," says Lucy Duni, vice president of consumer
education at TrueCredit.com. "If a credit card or other bill hasn't arrived, it may mean
that an identity thief has gotten hold of your account and changed your billing address."
Al Marcella, professor at Webster University's School of Business and Technology in St.
KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
Louis, and an expert on identity theft, suggests when you order new checks, you pick
them up at the bank instead of shipping them to your home. "Stolen checks can be
altered and cashed by fraudsters," says Duni. And never place outgoing mail in your
post office box or door slot for a carrier to pick up. Anyone can grab it and get your
credit card numbers and other financial information. Bring it to the post office yourself.
4. Review all bank and credit card statements each month,
preferably once a week.
Watch for charges for less than a dollar or two from unfamiliar companies or
individuals.
Thieves who are planning to purchase a block of stolen credit card numbers often first
test to check that the accounts haven't been canceled by aware customers by sending
a small charge through, sometimes for only a few pennies. If the first charge
succeeds, they'll buy the stolen data and make a much larger charge or purchase.
They're guessing -- often correctly -- that most cardholders won't notice such a tiny
charge. In addition, many of the fraud alerts you can set on your accounts aren't
triggered by small dollar amounts. Reviewing your credit report on a regular basis is
also a good idea, but usually by the time a fraudulent transaction reaches your credit
report, it's too late.----KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
5. If an ATM or store terminal looks funny, don't use it.
"Make sure there is no device attached to any ATM card slot you use," says Wells. "As
a general rule, the mouth of a card receptacle on an ATM machine should be flush with
the machine or have only a very slight lip."
If it looks or feels different when you swipe your card, or has an extra piece of plastic
sticking out from the card slot, it may be a skimmer, an electronic device placed there
by thieves that captures your credit card information when you swipe it. If you notice it
after you've already inserted your card, you should alert your bank so they can watch
for any fraudulent charges to your account.
6. Identity thieves love travelers and tourists.
Scott Stevenson, founder and CEO of Eliminate ID Theft, an ID theft protection company,
cautions travelers to be alert to strangers hovering around whenever you use a credit
card at an ATM or phone, and to avoid public wireless Internet connections unless your
laptop or PDA has beefed-up security protection.*
7. Identity thieves are sneaky; you need to be sneaky, too.
There are a few simple things you can do to protect your credit card in case it falls into
the wrong hands. "Sign your credit card with a Sharpie so your signature can't be
erased and written over," suggests Echo Montgomery Garrett, a writer in Marietta, Ga.
Consultant Sarah Browne of Carmel, Calif., had all but one credit card stolen from a
hotel room. The card that was spared still had the "Please Activate" sticker on it.
Though Browne had activated the card, she forgot to remove the sticker.
"The thieves must have known that you have to activate a new card from the phone
number listed with the credit card company, so they didn't bother with it," she said, and
since then, she leaves the activation stickers on all of her cards. Indeed, when a thief
struck a second time at a public function, Browne's stickered cards were again left
untouched.KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
8. Pay attention at the checkout line.
If a cashier or salesperson takes your card and either turns away from you or takes
too long to conduct what is usually a normal transaction, she may be scanning your
card into a handheld skimming terminal to harvest the information. But they don't need
a handheld scanner to capture your information.
According to Mark Cravens, the Anti-Scam Doctor and author of "The Ten
Commandments of Investing," they can take a picture of the front and back of your
card with a cell phone or merely swap out cards. "Look at your card when they hand it
back and make sure it's yours, and not another gold, silver, or blue card that looks like
yours," he says. "You may not notice they swapped your card for days."
9. Go paperless in as many ways as possible.
Sandy Shore, training manager with Novadebt, a nonprofit, New Jersey-based
credit-counseling agency, suggests clients cut back on the mail they receive from
banks and financial institutions by discontinuing paper bills and statements. "Access
your financial statements at the issuer's website instead," she says.
This strategy has the added bonus of an environmental benefit. Similarly, Vaclav
Vincalek, president of Pacific Coast Information Systems, an IT security firm,
recommends that whatever paper receipts and financial statements you do receive go
through the shredder instead of into the wastebasket. "Never throw away a credit card
slip," he says. "Instead, shred anything that has any number, name, address on it."
10. Identity theft insurance can pay off, but you need to read the
fine print. Several companies offer identity theft insurance, which covers the money
you shell out to repair your identity. This includes whatever you spend on phone calls,
making copies of documents and mailing them, hiring an attorney, and in some cases,
lost wages.
However, the insurance -- which costs about $50 a year -- does not reimburse you for
funds you lost. Your current homeowner policy may include identity theft insurance in
your package, so check first before signing up with an outside company. Also, some
companies are starting to offer identity theft insurance as an employee benefit.
---------------------------------------------------KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
When hit by ID theft, take these 4 steps to make things right
You did the right thing by checking your credit report to start. Too many people don't
check, only to find out later that their credit identities have been stolen. Or they only
learn of problems when they apply for credit and they're denied.
If you don't clear it all up, you'll never be able to get the kind of credit you'll need in life.
Your first credit card is just the beginning. Over time, you'll probably want car loans, a
mortgage and more. Your credit can even impact your ability to get a job.
Here's what you do:
1. Contact your local police and report the identity theft. Get copies
of the police report.
2. Call the fraud departments of each of the three credit bureaus
and report the actions there, and send each bureau a copy of the
police report. CreditCards.com has a long list of identity theft reporting sample
letters and other information that can help you. Once you've notified the bureaus, each
will start a fraud investigation on your behalf, and the agencies have 30 days to
investigate such claims. Then, they have to remove the wrong information from your
reports.
3. Write a victim's statement and request the bureaus add this to
your credit file. This would explain, in your words, what happened.
CreditCards.com has some credit report statement sample letters that you can use to
help you get started.
4. Contact each of the lenders who extended credit to your stolen identity and
let them know what's going on. They may open their own investigations.
KNOWLEDGEFINANCIAL.COM
| ''Insurance: Get a Free Quote With No Obligation. Low Cost Term Life Insurance, But Very Good. By The Term, Invest The Difference. ''FREE QUOTE, FAST & EASY''''Find Out How Much You Can Save On Life Insurance- 'REQUEST A FREE QUOTE TODAY'' Find Out If You're Paying Too Much For Life Insurance. ''AFFORDABLE LIFE INSURANCE: BEST PRICES, BEST PLAN, WITH THE BEST COMPANY. SOUTH FL. CALL AT: 786-709-6577-- .-New Opportunities May be Only a Phone Call Away. This Financial Services Company is in the Business of Changing Lives by Helping Families to Be Be Properly Protected, ---- |